A comparison of different sources of soy lecithin for the production of MRI phantoms with systematic analysis of effects on T1, T2, and diffusion

Motivation: While soy lecithin has been shown to be a beneficial substance for the production of diffusion phantoms, there is no research to date on whether this applies generally or only to specific product sources of soy lecithin. Goal(s): To investigate the variability of the MR-related properties of three different types of soy lecithin (SL-1,SL-2,SL-3). Approach: Aqueous soy lecithin solutions of different concentrations were prepared for all three soy lecithin sources and examined using DWI and Relaxometry. Results: It was found that the MR-related properties of aqueous soy lecithin solutions are dependent on the type of soy lecithin used. Impact: This work shows that MR properties of soy lecithin strongly depend on the product source. Related effects must be considered for the production of phantoms with tissue-like relaxation and diffusion properties.